DemographicInformation

Age distribution among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are ages…

Survey year18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
201418%33%31%19%3,365
200718%42%25%15%4,491
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
201411%11%28%36%12%1%3,365
2007< 1%13%33%36%16%4%4,491
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMenWomenSample size
201447%53%3,428
200747%53%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Survey yearWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
201465%3%3%28%2%3,384
200771%2%2%23%2%4,545
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
201421%16%63%3,401
200717%14%69%4,533
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have a household income of…

Survey yearLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
201433%20%27%20%2,929
200727%22%32%19%3,781
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who have completed…

Survey yearHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
201446%29%16%9%3,410
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
201452%9%12%6%21%3,418
200758%7%10%8%17%4,554
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearParentsNon-parentsSample size
201430%70%3,417
200738%62%4,563
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say they…

Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201461%29%5%1%2%1%3,428
200769%24%4%1%1%2%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201446%40%10%3%< 1%3,428
200746%41%10%2%< 1%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend religious services…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201429%46%25%< 1%3,428
200734%44%22%< 1%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201452%22%9%16%1%3,428
200752%23%8%15%1%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who attend prayer group…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201411%7%9%73%< 1%3,428
20079%5%8%78%< 1%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who meditate…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201433%9%5%52%1%3,428
200730%8%5%55%1%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201449%19%13%18%1%3,428
200741%17%18%21%3%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%15%16%31%1%3,428
200730%14%17%36%3%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Survey yearThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201426%73%1%1%3,428
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who read scripture…

Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201416%10%11%62%1%3,428
200715%9%10%66%1%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say the holy scripture is…

Survey yearWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
201419%36%3%34%9%3,428
200720%36%3%32%10%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in heaven

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201483%11%6%3,428
200782%11%7%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …in hell

Survey yearBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
201460%32%9%3,428
200759%30%11%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who identify as…

Survey yearRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
201437%18%45%3,428
200733%17%49%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who are…

Survey yearConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
201433%40%22%5%3,428
200734%41%19%6%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who would rather have…

Survey yearSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
201449%44%3%4%3,428
200741%50%3%5%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say government aid to the poor…

Survey yearDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201448%47%3%1%3,428
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say abortion should be…

Survey yearLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
201457%37%5%3,428
200756%38%6%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say homosexuality…

Survey yearShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201475%18%3%4%3,428
200763%27%5%5%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who …same-sex marriage

Survey yearStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
201463%28%9%3,428
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say…

Survey yearStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
201439%56%2%3%3,428
200731%62%2%4%4,580
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong

% of Catholics who say common sense is their primary source of guidance on what's right and wrong who say humans…

Survey yearEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
201435%31%4%27%4%3,428
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.